External contractors providing essential services during closure

While Dawson College has been closed since March 14, a critical crew of people continue to come to the campus to perform vital services.

Many of the people who keep things going at the College are from external contractors.

“Our Security team played a key and active role in the distribution of laptops and other devices for staff, faculty and students,” said François Paradis, Director of Information Systems and Technology. “They also received some of our critical equipment while receiving was closed.”

Monique Magnan, Director of Student Services, was also grateful for the support of the Security team, provided by Neptune Security Services.

“Security services were awesome!” Monique said. “Walid and his team were extremely helpful to us, our staff and to our students.  They were flexible when needed, but also strictly respected the directives we had set for the locker access operation.  Under the supervision of Jorge Sanchez and Dan Boyer, and with the collaboration of close to 20 volunteer staff members, we were able to assist over 600 students who needed to retrieve their books and course materials.”

According to manager Jorge Sanchez of the Facilities Management team, there are about 12 agents working to provide security for the building. “They manage access to the building, support IST with equipment sign out, maintain a safe environment for staff, faculty and students who had to come in by ensuring social distancing and staggered access. They have received mail and various parcels and equipment, which support essential services. They also oversee contractors still coming in for various projects,” said Jorge.

Fervel also sends two cleaners during the day and a full cleaning crew overnight. They clean the school, and do deep cleaning of high traffic areas to maintain a safe environment.

Johnson Controls has been sending their technician, who maintains the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.